Band invades Beirut airport

It’s not easy flying into Beirut these days. With fears of ISIS beheading soldiers and invading villages, refugees spilling out onto the streets, a lack of a president or parliamentary elections, constant tensions with Israel– and most recently– serious health hazards exposed at restaurants and food suppliers across the country, many of those privileged enough to travel may not consider coming back. But not for this woman.

The returning passenger was welcomed with a marching band, balloons and dancing friends wearing T shirts saying “proud to be Lebanese.” The famous TV host Zaven Kouyoumdjian even stumbled upon the action, stopping to capture the moment with a huge smile on his face.

At a time of so much anxiety, it’s nice to know some people are still hopeful in this country. Without their optimistic spirt, how else can we face the challenges ahead?